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Colreavy calls for wind turbine and pylon moratorium

Deputy Michael Colreavy, Sinn Féin spokesperson on Communications, Energy and Natural Resources has called for the Memorandum of Understanding signed between Minister Pat Rabbitte and the British government to be suspended. This comes in light of reports that the European Commission is to significantly scale back its mandatory renewable energy targets.

Speaking on the issue Deputy Colreavy said:

“While the target of 20% of energy from renewable sources by 2020 remains, it is now suggested that further targets for the reduction of use of fossil fuels will not be so strictly imposed.

“This could have major implications on the proposed construction of large scale wind turbines and electricity pylons throughout Ireland.

“Sinn Féin is committed to the development of renewable energy as an alternative to fossil fuels in Ireland. There is an untapped wealth of renewable energy sources in Ireland from wind, wave and hydro power.

“However, there must be an All-Ireland Energy Policy put in place that outlines what infrastructure is needed to utilise Ireland’s renewable sources.

“Until such a policy is in place, Sinn Féin has called for a moratorium on the construction of wind turbines and pylons.

“There is considerable opposition from the public to the construction of this infrastructure as it stands, highlighted by the number of submissions recently made to EirGrid on the erection of pylons.

“Construction of this infrastructure must be put on hold to allow for a proper plan to be designed that addresses the concerns of residents and will exploit our renewable sources to their greatest potential.”